Key Takeaways:
- Bringing your car in for regular maintenance can also help prevent problems like this from happening in the first place.
- The squeaking sound could signify that your brake pads are wearing thin and must be replaced.
- If the CV joint is damaged, it can cause clicking or popping noises.
- Knocking noise when your car is idling is likely caused by low oil levels, dirty oil, or worn-out engine bearings. An issue could also cause the knocking noise with your fuel injectors or spark plugs.
- Engine trouble can be very expensive to fix, so it’s better to catch it early before it becomes a bigger problem.
We all know the feeling. You’re driving and hear a strange cranking noise from your car. It may be a light clicking or a loud bang. Either way, it’s enough to make you worry. What should you do? Bring it to a mechanic? Try to fix it yourself. Sell it for parts? This blog post will explore what to do when your car makes noises.
Sounds Your Car Shouldn’t Be Making
-
Squealing When You Brake
If your car is squealing when you brake, it could signify that your brake pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced. It could also stipulate a problem with your brake calipers or rotors. If you hear squealing when you brake, it’s important to have the problem checked out by a car mechanic as soon as possible.
-
Clicking When You Turn
If it makes a clicking sound, there’s a problem with your CV joint. The CV joint is at the end of the driveshaft and allows for the driveshaft to flex as you turn. If the CV joint is damaged, it can cause clicking or popping noises. A steering rack or suspension problem could also cause the clicking noise. If you hear clicking when you turn, it’s important to have the problem checked out by a car mechanic as soon as possible.
-
Grinding When You Brake
If you notice your car brakes making an unpleasant grinding noise, it means the brake pads have worn out and require replacement. Additionally, the grinding noise could be caused by a problem with your brake calipers or rotors. If you hear grinding when you brake, it’s important to have the problem checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
-
Popping When You Accelerate
If you hear a dragging noise from your car’s brakes, it suggests that the brake pads have worn down and must be replaced. Additionally, the grating sound might be caused by a malfunction with your brake calipers or rotors. Suppose you hear mechanical grinding when you apply the brakes. In that case, it is critical to have the issue examined as soon as possible by a car mechanic.
-
Knocking When Idling
Knocking noise when your car is idling is likely caused by low oil levels, dirty oil, or worn-out engine bearings. An issue could also cause the knocking noise with your fuel injectors or spark plugs.
Related: Winter car care tips.
In short, common causes for noises while braking or idling are generally due to wear and tear of parts like brake pads or engine bearings. More serious issues could be with your fuel injectors or spark plugs. In any case, when you hear strange noises from your car, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
What To Do If Your Car Emits Strange Noises?
-
Identify The Issue
First, let’s identify the type of noise your car is making. Is it a light-clicking noise or a loud bang? If it’s a light-clicking noise, chances are it’s nothing to worry about. It could be something as inconsequential as a loose connector or a worn-out part. However, if the noise is a loud bang, then you might have a more serious problem. It could be due to a blown tire or more serious engine trouble.
-
Check The Relevant Manuals
If you think the noise might be due to a loose connector or worn-out part, you should first refer to the relevant manuals. In most cases, these types of problems can be easily fixed by following the instructions in the manual. If you can’t find the manual or the problem seems too complicated to fix, then your best bet is to haul it to an auto shop.
-
Is It A Blown Tire?
If you think the noise might be due to a blown tire, you should first pull over and check the tire for any rubber breaches. If not, then visually inspect the tire for the right pressure. If the tire pressure is low – or the tire sidewalls seem deflated, as usual, that’s probably causing the dull noise. The best way to fix this problem is to take the car to a service station and have them fill up the tire with air.
Never drive with under-inflated tires as it is hazardous.
-
Engine Trouble
If you think the noise might be due to engine trouble, then your best bet is to take the car to a mechanic immediately. Engine trouble can be very expensive to fix, so it’s better to catch it early before it becomes a bigger problem. Engine issues are capable of crippling your entire car and they can rack up quite a cost in repairs.
Whenever your car makes noises, always err on the side of caution and take it to a mechanic just in case there’s something seriously wrong. Better safe than sorry!
Conclusion
When you hear weird noises from your car, don’t panic! You can do several things to figure out what’s causing the problem.
First, try to identify what type of noise it is and where it’s coming from. This will help you determine what kind of problem you’re dealing with.
Then, consult your car’s manual or take it to a mechanic for further assistance. Remember: better safe than sorry!
Taking care of your car by bringing it in for regular maintenance can help prevent problems like this.
Toyota Drivers In Brownsville, Your One-Stop Shop for All Things Automotive Is Here!
Brownsville Toyota, serving Brownsville, TX is not just a dealership – we’re a full-service center that can take care of everything from oil changes to major repairs. Plus, our team is certified and experienced with many different car brands, so no matter what you drive, we can help you out.
You deserve the best service we aim to deliver at Brownsville Toyota. Our team is knowledgeable and friendly, and we want to ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible.
Schedule a service appointment today!
Connect with us
